Food and drink-related events starting May 5

MAIN EVENTS

Whole Foods Market-Hillcrest will host a free Cinco de Mayo Celebration with chefs Bernard Guillas and Ron Oliver from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. today, May 5, at 711 University Ave. The chefs will sign copies of their book, “Flying Pans” and demonstrate recipes. (619) 294-2800.

More than 70 local chefs will participate in the 19th annual Mama’s Day fundraiser for Mama’s Kitchen, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Friday, May 7, poolside at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla Aventine, 3777 La Jolla Village Drive. Two premium wine vaults, entertainment and a silent auction are part of the event. Tickets are $125 in advance, $150 at the door, and proceeds benefit Mama’s Kitchen, which prepares and delivers meals to San Diego County residents affected by critical illnesses such as AIDS and cancer. For tickets and information, visit mamaskitchen.org or call (619) 233-6262.

The Third Avenue Charitable Organization (TACO) presents its fourth annual Empty Bowls lunch fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at La Jolla United Methodist Church, 6063 La Jolla Blvd. Guests can choose a bowl made by a local potter and fill it with soup and bread donated by local restaurants. Guests get to keep the bowl as a reminder of all who have no food. Suggested donation is $20, and proceeds go to TACO to help feed the homeless and working poor downtown. (619) 235-9445.

Grape Connections presents wines from around the world during its spring sale, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Friday and Saturday, May 7-8, at 1130 Scott St., Point Loma. Selections will be available for tasting before purchasing. (619) 523-6441.